Gooch commits future to Cats

AMERICAN STAR SIGNS NEW TWO-YEAR DEAL

LYNDEN Gooch has signed a new two-year deal with Sunderland after helping the Black Cats win promotion back to the Championship.

The 26-year-old has been an everpresent in the Wearsiders’ starting XI and a mainstay in Alex Neil’s side since the head coach arrived on Wearside.

The United States international made the right-wing back slot his own as Sunderland won promotion to the Championship and cut an emotional figure on the full-time whistle at Wembley.

Gooch came through the ranks at the Academy of Light and calls the club his own, having arrived on Wearside in 2012.

Speaking after signing his new deal, he said: “This is important for my family and I because this is our

TO STAY ON WEARSIDE

home. I’ve been here for 10 years as a professional and I’m really pleased we are all going to be here for another two years.

“I stayed and signed a new contract previously because I wanted to help the club return to the Championship.

“Now we have achieved that I’m looking forward to proving myself in the second tier again.”

The new contract makes Gooch the longest-serving player on Wearside having made 213 appearances to date - 45 of them in last season’s promotion-winning campaign.

Neil said: “Lynden played a fundamental part in our success towards the back end of last season so we are delighted he has agreed a new contract.

“He has huge amounts to offer - on and off the pitch - and his love for the club, and what it means to him to play here, really shines through.

“He is going to be vitally important next season, especially with his versatility, and this is a great signing because we want to keep that core of the group together.”